Slovakia Visa
Traveling to Slovakia
Landlocked Slovakia is dotted with castles and lakes, drawing tourists from all over Europe and the world. In addition to its fairytale charm, the country is known for its graceful mountains and quaint cultural offerings.
You may need a visa to travel to Slovakia, depending on where you are from (nationality), the length of your trip (duration of stay), and your reason for travel (type of visa needed). There are numerous types of visas for Slovakia, which are valid for travel for specific purposes and times. Different Slovakia visas have different Slovakia visa requirements and validity periods. In general, Slovakia visas can be divided into two main categories: short stay visas and long stay visas (a long stay visa for Slovakia is required for those looking to spend more than 90 days in the country). Another main distinction relates to allowed entries: a single entry will allow you just one entry into the country; a multiple entry visa for Slovakia will let you enter and exit as many times as needed.
Slovakia visa types
Transit Visa (Type A)
- Slovakia transit visa
Short Term Visas (Type C)
Schengen Visas
- Business (Slovakia Business visa for Schengen)
- Cultural
- Medical
- Official Visit
- Sports
- Study (Slovakia Schengen Student visa)
- Tourism (Slovakia Tourist visa)
- Visiting Family or Friends
- Other
Long Term Visas (Type D, National)
A long stay visa for Slovakia is granted alongside a residence permit for Slovakia, allowing successful applicants to remain n the country for up to one year. Long term visas are therefore available for the following purpose:
- To obtain a Residence Permit for Slovakia
- Other
Most applicants seek a Residence Permit in order to ultimately obtain a kind of Slovakia Working Visa, Slovakia Business visa, Slovakia Student visa, etc.—i.e. for long term work, business, or study purposes.
Slovakia visa requirements
The following documents are typically required for all visas to Slovakia:
Passport
Official, government-issued document, not older than 10 years, with the correct validity length (a minimum three months past the intended day of exit from Slovakia)
Visa fee
Your Slovakia visa fee will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, and possibly other factors, such as your age. Fees are generally non-refundable, even in the case of a denied visa.
Personal photos
Two recently taken photos of the applicant. Photos should be passport style (and have passport dimensions).
Additional documents:
You will almost certainly have to submit additional documents on your Slovakia visa application. Requested documents are typically those which help visa authorities confirm your identity, determine the truthfulness of your stated purpose of travel, and assess your financial state. The type of Slovakia visa you apply for will determine your supplemental documents, which may include the following:
Biographical documents
Identity documents, such as your birth certificate
Financial materials
Documents showing your finances, such as your bank balance
Accommodation
Information about where you will stay in Slovakia
Educational materials
Proof of university education, etc.
Proof of medical insurance
Please note that all documents may need to be submitted in Slovakian or English (or accompanied by official translations into either language).
Slovakia visa application
Applicants for Slovakia visas should follow these general steps, which may vary slightly depending on numerous factors, including visa type and application destination.
- Prepare your visa application
Choose your visa duration
Determine how long you intend to be in Slovakia i.e. what type of Slovakian visa you need: long, short, or airport. This will determine how you proceed with the subsequent application steps.
Select your Slovak visa purpose
Choose your reason for travel (family reunification, business, etc.)
Select your entry category
Your selection of the single-entry visa for Slovakia or the multiple entry visa for Slovakia will determine whether or not you may travel in and out of the country/Schengen area throughout your visa period. Consider that holders of the single-entry visa for Slovakia cannot return to the country after exiting.
Determine where to apply
Find your physical application destination (place where you will submit your visa application). This is typically the Slovakian Embassy/Consulate or associated visa-application center where you live. For more information, see “where to apply.” - Fill out your visa application
Access your main application form
Apply for the Slovakia Schengen visa by downloading the universal Schengen visa form. The national Slovakia visa form is also available for download here.
Gather the rest of your documents
Gather your required documents as well as the supplemental ones required for your specific Slovakia visa type. - Schedule your visa interview appointment
Almost all Slovakia visa applicants must attend a visa appointment at their application destination (local Slovakia embassy/consulate/visa application center). Scheduling a Slovakia visa interview can take days, weeks, or even months. Reach out to your application destination directly (via email/phone) to make an appointment.
- Attend your visa interview
This is where you will submit your biometric information, pay your visa fee, be interviewed, and meet other requirements pertaining to your visa type. This is typically the final stage of the Slovakia visa application process; you will either be granted a visa upon the conclusion of your appointment, receive a rejection, or leave to await a decision.
Where to apply for Slovakia visa
Slovakia visa application processing occurs at Slovakian embassies and consulates (and their associated visa application centers) around the world, where you must make an appointment in order to fulfill your visa’s in-person application requirements (there is no online Slovakia visa application system). If you are outside of Slovakia and are applying for a Slovakia visa, you will apply through the Slovakia embassy/consulate or visa application center where you live. If there is no Slovakian mission in your country, you will likely apply for your Slovakian visa through the embassy/consulate of another country, which is representing Slovakia’s interests abroad.
When to apply for a Slovakia Visa
Applicants for short-stay visas to Slovakia are advised to submit their application a minimum of fourteen days before their intended trip. And while applying well in advance is recommended, applying too early (i.e. over six months before departure) is discouraged.
Slovakia visa processing time
The Slovakia visa application processing time varies. Factors which determine how long it will take to get your visa include the following:
- Slovakia visa type
- Application destination
- Your nationality
- The completeness of application
Depending on all of these factors, you could expect to receive a visa in days, weeks, or even months after you apply.
Slovakia visa FAQ
Depending on where you are from, you may need a visa to enter the country, regardless of how long you intend to stay. Some nationalities do not need a visa to travel to Slovakia. Regardless of your nationality, however, you will need a visa if you intend to stay in the country longer than 90 days and you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Get a travel document for Slovakia (visa) by submitting an application to your local Slovakia embassy/consulate/visa application center, meeting the visa requirements, and paying your visa fee.
The amount of money you need depends on the Schengen country you are visiting. You will likely need to show several months proof of salary/bank statements in order to meet the Schengen proof of funds requirement.
Choose from among the various types of Slovakia visa you need to apply (such as a Slovakia Work Permit) for by considering your reason for travel and how long you want to stay in the country. These factors will determine the type of visa you need. In addition to visa type, you should also determine how many entries you need—i.e. whether you need a multiple entry visa for Slovakia or a single entry visa for Slovakia.
Rejected Schengen visa applicants can appeal the decision, reapply, or apply for another travel document for Slovakia (different Slovakia visa, such as a Slovakia Tourist visa or Slovakia Work Permit).
